Poll: Was William Wallace a freedom fighter or a terrorist?

AFTER a school in Stirling asked pupils to discuss whether William Wallace was a freedom fighter or a terrorist, we ask for your thoughts on the national hero.

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William Wallace

HE'S one of the iconic figures in Scotland's history and is remembered as a national hero - but a new debate has risen over the legacy of William Wallace.

A school less than a mile from Stirling Castle has asked pupils to discuss whether Wallace, who was one of the leading figures during the Wars of Scottish Independence was a freedom fighter – or a terrorist.

Bannockburn High School handed S2 pupils a list of individuals and groups, most of them associated with attacks on civilians around the world.

But parents were surprised to see Wallace included in the line-up.

The list given to modern studies pupils also included Osama Bin Laden and the IRA.

One parent, who asked not to be named, said: “William Wallace has no place on that list.

“They should be teaching that Wallace is a great historical figure for Scotland, particularly at this school where you can look out the windows over to the Wallace Monument.”

Head teacher James McParland said: “The pupils are asked to take account of the political context of people’s actions and decide whether they believe they were a terrorist or freedom fighter.

“In reference to William Wallace they are also informed that he was considered at the time to be a terrorist by those opposed to Scottish independence.”

Gary Stewart, convener of The Society of William Wallace, said: “It’s dangerous to compare Wallace with terrorists.

“He was a freedom fighter and should be remembered as one of Scotland’s greatest heroes.”

Do you think William Wallace was a freedom fighter or a terrorist? Have your say in our poll below:

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